About the post on Generators from yesterday, I did have some info on CNG and Propane fueled electrical generation systems, I just didn’t include it because I was not finding that it was common enough to post up. However, with a good deal of following of semi-obscure links, I have been able to find more on the topic. If you’ll give me another couple days, I should be able to flesh it out and have a Part 2.11 up for your reading pleasure.
As David pointed out in the comments, diesel generators are pretty much a no-go in the state of California. So, for all yous guyz lucky enough to be outside of the aforementioned socialist republic, follow this link:
Warning: The following site requires registration with the federal government to purchase items.
Warning: Packrats need to stay away from this site. You can fill up your garage and the garages of your friends and many, many storage units with stuff that you can buy here. Trust me on this.
But if those warnings don’t scare you, then take a looksee at these examples of large diesel generators on 3/4-ton trailers
Has water damage and is being auctioned out of Louisiana. I wonder if it has been used for any kind of emergencies down there lately?
$600
Is missing the governor and has a moderately bent tongue, but can be towed. Richmond, VA.
$180
How about a turbine powered GenSet?
The bidding will start at $50
Don’t need anything that large, try this lot of 3-EX1000 Honda generators at Ft. Bragg
Bidding will also start at $50
While these, especially the larger ones, may not be fully operational, they can be bought for half a song, brought home and made to run. Even if you spend $1000 on one and, for some reason, have to spend another $4000 repairing it, you still have an $18000 portable genset for $5000.
Just click on the first link and search the bases in your state for items they have for auction. If you don’t mind driving, check your surrrounding states (I do WA, OR, ID and MT).
Other cool items currently for sale:
This Rotax powered Harley scout bike at Malmstrom AFB, MT.
Ft. Lewis, WA has nine, count them, NINE Zodiac boats w/o motors up for bid.
Lewis also has six of these in various guises and in various states of drivability.
This is the most expensive one. It runs and can be driven off the lot.
$3600
It is a good thing to know (or be) a diesel mechaninc.
I have a problem with surplus auctions. Or, I should say, the wife has a problem with me looking at surplus auctions. I can see 100 different uses for 500ft of 1 inch rope and 20 different uses for 90ft of 3 1/2in mooring line. It was bad enough when I just had my 1/2-ton truck, but now that I own a 3/4-ton with a receiver hitch, I’m absolutely dangerous.
I can blame my dad for this addiction. I’ve been going to these since I was eight or nine, when they just mailed out xeroxed flyers every month.
But buyer beware: the Uncles Sam is not one to be lax with. If you don’t speak “Militarese” and read the description improperly, you’re still stuck for the cash. Also, if you don’t pick it up on time, they have some of the most expensive real estate in the country, at least according to the storage fees they’ll be charging you.
But I would encourage you to take a look around. I’m currently looking at a set of three, still in the wrap, on the pallet, never been filled, 55gal drums as well as a storage container.
Just don’t tell the wife, mmmkay?
Don’t forget, you can buy ammo cans by the pallet load, as well.
And if Ft Lewis DRMO is selling 9 Zodiacs, I guess that means the Rangers and/or SF guys got something newer and cooler.
The scout bikes I don’t know about, but if they ever decide to auction off any of those land rovers the Rangers use, I’m in trouble.
Gawd damn! I need to make more money to afford these toys.
You know, if you have somewhere to put a fixed Genset, and are or know a competent electrician, I’ll bet you could turn one of those welders into a potent generator.
123kw will run about the whole house, I’d think.
Cool, a deuce-and-a-half! Needs a ring-mount on top and you’re ready to go.
Aww man, I woke up thinking about the air monitoring set I found and how I’d be able to get 5800 lbs of copper wire home… BTW I think copper’s going for roughly $3/ pound, all you’d have to do (that’s all) is strip a few miles of wire..
Oh, maybe I can use that utility trailer to tow it home!